GNBC hosts 'Nutcracker' auditions

The start of the school year marks the beginning of
rehearsals for the Greater Niagara Ballet Company's presentation of "The
Nutcracker." The family-oriented holiday production showcases dancers and
character performers under the direction of artistic director Beverley Feder,
FISTD.

Auditions are planned for Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Feder
School of Classical Ballet, located within the Niagara Arts and Cultural
Center, 1201 Pine Ave. The schedule includes tryouts for the following:

Character Dancers

•9
to 9:45 a.m.: Girls and boys ages 6 to 10 can audition for the Act I "Party
Scene" and the "Grand March (children)" Both dancers and non-dancers are
needed. No experience is necessary.

•9:45
to 10:30 a.m.: Girls and boys ages 8 to 12 are invited to try out for the
"Battle Scene" and the roles of "Mice" and "Soldiers." Once again, both dancers
and non-dancers are needed. No experience is required.

•10:30
to 11 a.m.: Girls and boys ages 8 to 10 are encouraged to audition for the
"Bon-Bon," "Arabian Handmaiden" and "Manservant" roles. A dance and gymnastics
background is preferred.

•11
to 11:30 a.m.: Girls and boys ages 12 and up are needed in the Act I "Party
Scene" ("Maids" and "Butlers") and as "Jesters" in Act II. No experience is
necessary for the former, while the latter requires a background in gymnastics.

Corps de Ballet and Soloists

•12:30
to 1:30 p.m.: Girls/women and boys/men ages 12 and up can audition for a spot
performing with the GNBC Corps de Ballet or for a solo role. Corps parts
include "Waltz of the Flowers," "Snowflakes," "Russian" and "Chinese." Solo
parts include "Harlequin," "Columbine," "Drummers," "Dew Drop," "Spanish,"
"Candy Canes," "Chinese," "Russian" and "Arabian."

A dance background is necessary for these more advanced
numbers. Moreover, females must have strong pointe skills.

Clara and Fritz

Children interested in portraying the roles of Clara and
Fritz must audition for at least one of the other parts.

Those auditioning should enter through the NACC's red door
and arrive in proper dance attire 20 minutes before tryout time. The
participation fee is $40.

"The
Nutcracker" is on stage Dec. 7 and 8 at the Niagara Falls High School
Performing Arts Center. For more information, call 716-285-6800
or visit www.niagaraballet.org.

About the Greater Niagara Ballet
Company

The GNBC is a not-for-profit, 501(c) (3) corporation
dedicated to providing local dancers the opportunity to develop their talents
in a professional theatrical setting; work with professional dancers from all
parts of the world; build an understanding and appreciation of the ballet arts
through ongoing educational workshops and performances; and participate in
dance projects that establish the Niagara region as a high-quality ballet
center.